Common Issues With Tesla Vehicles, the Solutions, Warranty Information, and Consumer Rights

There are some problems with owning a tesla that must be addressed. When it comes to warranty and consumer rights, we've addressed some of the most common difficulties Tesla owners confront.

Common Issues

Model S/X failing heaters (PTC Heater)

Let’s talk about failing heaters (ptc heater) on model s/x. Typically, this affects older Model S/X vehicles, and typically in the winter (when the heaters are utilized) following a loud pop within the cabin, owners may notice a loss of cabin heating. The remedy is simple and will be covered under a warranty. If it's winter and/or your screen is foggy, request that Tesla retrieve your vehicle by phoning Roadside; if this is not possible, schedule a standard appointment using the app. Using the rear cabin warmers (Model X) and the heated seats/steering wheel can be used to minimize the issue until the vehicle can be repaired if the vehicle is safe to drive. When/if the screen fogs up on the Model S, it is mostly useless since it poses a major safety risk.

There is garbled writing on the screen.

This is pretty frequent, particularly on older vehicles, and many believe it's tied to the eMMC chip (see below). However, it's commonly identified as a firmware issue, so make sure you record it on Tesla's system and seek a software update to hopefully resolve the issue.

What is MCU eMMC Memory Issues eMMC chip failure? Should I be anxious? what should I do?

Water, condensation, and insects on the lights (primarily the rears brake lights)

Depending on the severity, Tesla will replace the part under warranty for most automobiles, including its own. Intentionally, the lights are not sealed so that moisture can enter and condense. Generally, parking the lights facing the sun will fix the problem.

Failures of the DRL LED strip within the front headlights

The LED strips within predominantly the Model S front light occasionally break; however, it is quite difficult to fix the LED strips, therefore a replacement light assembly is usually necessary, which is a horrible waste of materials. Tesla is aware of the issue, therefore it should be covered under warranty.

Model 3 rear window with cracks

It is believed that the bending of the vehicle's body is causing the rear glass of a few of Model 3 automobiles (particularly those arriving in the United Kingdom during the first few batches) to randomly break without any evidence of contact. Tesla is aware of the issue, therefore it should be covered under warranty.

A yellow border gradually forms around S/X screens

It's merely aesthetic (it's a glue discoloration) but it doesn't look great, it's fixable through a service visit, and it's covered by the warranty. Occasionally, Tesla must repeat the UV light therapy in order to eliminate the discoloration. Newer displays (such as Model 3/Y) are not affected by this problem. In the interim between identifying the problem and having it addressed, a simple solution is to switch your screens to night mode.

Tesla Screen Yellow Borders (Source)

Reduced range with software upgrades (often referred to as "BatteryGate").

The 8-year, unlimited-mile warranty is among the best in the industry, but it comes with a number of caveats, one of which indicates that range can and will decrease over time (understandable), but on one software update some battery packs had their cell float voltages lowered, resulting in a sudden drop in capacity; this has since been increased with new software updates, but not back to the original range.

Tesla asserts that this new profile and its continuous advancements are the product of the company's continual efforts to optimize charging, battery performance, and longevity, as well as vehicle safety.

Charging rates at superchargers (often referred to as 'ChargeGate') are slower than in the past.

Some battery packs (but particularly those that have been "excessively" charged through rapid/superchargers) have had their general DC charging rates slowed down, resulting in prolonged charging periods. Tesla has partially addressed this issue, but several owners are still complaining that their vehicles are limited to 60-70kW at superchargers, whereas they were previously able to receive 90-120kW. Tesla claims that optimal condition charge times increased – minimally (approximately 2 minutes) at normal temperatures, and by up to 15 minutes per charging session at colder initial temperatures.

Tesla asserts that this new profile and its continuous advancements are the product of the company's continual efforts to optimize charging, battery performance, and longevity, as well as vehicle safety.

Suspension problems

Tesla Model S, 3, X & Y Suspension Issues (Source)

On full lock, a skipping/shuddering

This is not a defect; it is frequent when two wheels are moving, but on full lock one must revolve before the other, causing the other to 'catch up' by skipping.

On full reverse lock, the front suspension joint pulls out

This will need retrieval of your vehicle, and while it is uncommon, it has occurred often enough for us and Tesla to recognize that it should be covered under the warranty.

During intense acceleration, the Model X vibrates

Despite the fact that the issue is not technically suspension-related, it is frequently misdiagnosed as such; replacement shims are available for older vehicles that should cure the problem and are covered by the warranty.

Auto wipers' unpredictable conduct

It is a known issue that will ultimately be resolved by software, however, because Tesla is developing this functionality from scratch using new technology, it is still in BETA.

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